Some choice of people's "careers" can be baffling? I've lost track on how many times over the last decade I've said... "that's a job?" It feels like people are just making stuff up as a joke, and then someone decides to give them money for it and then BAM, you've struck gold!
The things people can get paid for, legally, has quadrupled in recent times, so maybe that extended unemployment wasn't necessary. But just because you're getting paid, doesn't mean it's a job or career one should really be thrilled of. Not to shame anyone or be a Debbie Downer, sometimes you just get lucky, and some coin is there for you.
Redditor u/Neil_Murphy wanted to discuss people's career choices, by asking:
What profession do you have the least respect for and why?
All of this online nonsense. That is what sticks with me the most. Example, an "Influencer" is not a job. It is certainly not a career. And it is shocking we give money to these people. Not to sound too bitter...
Stalkers
News Stalking GIF by Gecko1Giphy"The paparazzi. No respect there."
"Paparazzi was actually the job I had in my head when making this post, useless to society and only make peoples lives hard by constantly harassing celebrities."
"cancel anytime"
"Whoever makes subscriptions hard to cancel."
"Try canceling a Shipt (Target's delivery service) membership. You get a 4 week free trial, after that it's a $99 annual fee (honestly it's not a bad deal if you would actually be using it.) I only signed up because I was out of town for a conference, the hotel wasn't within walking distance of anything, and while there were several on site restaurants it was ridiculously expensive."
"Like $3 for a 12 oz can of soda or a regular sized candy bar and no complimentary continental breakfast. There was a $9.99 delivery fee or I could sign up for a "cancel anytime" 4 week trial membership and get free delivery so I signed up and got some sodas, breakfast stuff, and some snacks."
"Once my stuff was delivered I tried to cancel through the website and couldn't figure it out. Downloaded the app and couldn't cancel through that either. Went through the FAQs which gave me a link to a non-existent webpage. I ultimately had to call their customer service line and spent over an hour on hold to cancel it."
- Obwyn
Jesus People
"Televangelists. Perverting religion to enrich themselves. They're not the only group that does that, but local priests, pastors, etc. Are not all bad."
"We have a local mega church in my town where folks fill re-purposed theaters and other buildings all over to watch the millionaire hipster pastor each week. Dude wears $1000 tennis shoes, ripped designer jeans, bling… all to talk about Jesus. Peoples' money is their own and this ain't no skin off my d*ck, but it just seems incredibly shady and dishonest to me."
Hey You!
"Not exactly a profession, but MLM."
"Yes! MLM consultants. A bunch of bored housewives who are convinced that they are being "empowered." "Hey I know I used to bully you in high school but I noticed your Facebook profile and do you want to hear about this amazing opportunity?! You can earn 5k a MONTH if you peddle this crappy mascara to all the Mormon moms in your neighborhood!"
Medic
Sick Doctor GIF by KNAPPSCHAFTGiphy"As someone who works in the medical field: pharmaceutical reps. Often big pharma, trying to convince you to sell their products."
People who are undercover shoppers, that's not a job. You're just a narc. And I did serve you that Iced Tea in a timely fashion. Not to be bitter...
Pay Up
martin scorsese casino GIFGiphy"Payday and title loan sharks. Predatory loans. Taking advantage of vulnerable people at low points in their lives with sky high interest rates and fees. Definitely hurts more people than it helps."
Hang Up
"Telemarketers."
"They're often staffed by people who have no other options for work. No one dreams of going into telemarketing as a kid, and it offers work to anyone who can make a phone call. Those people are trying to provide for their families, go easy on them."
Not a profession...
"Poachers."
"As a profession I agree. However, I knew a farming family that were poor and poached for food. I have also known farmers who poach to take care of pests that eat their crops. Can't say I wouldn't do the same in their situation."
My dad poached a lot but took animals that weren't endangered for food. He also brought home roadkill (he had a side job working for the city removing animals and obstructions from the roads). Not the best wildlife management practice and unsustainable if many people do it but pretty benign in my opinion."
Snake Eyes
"I guess it's not really a profession per se, but the whole gambling industry. They keep coming up with more exciting ways to drain vulnerable members of society of all of their money."
"I go to the casino a couple times a year. For me, it's a fun night out. Get a light buzz, wander around looking a blinking lights, blow forty bucks, and get a discount on all you can eat crab legs. But I know people who regularly go there and blow their paycheck, and it's really heartbreaking."
Bad Woo
government shutdown obama GIFGiphy"Political lobbyists - spend tons of money wooing politicians to pass laws that are favorable to big corporations. It's legal yet seems illegal somehow."
I'd be a lobbyist. You get to hang out with the amoral and get paid for it. I've been hanging out with friends for free. And poachers suck, there I said it.
Want to "know" more? Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again. Sign up for the Knowable newsletter here.
@lpeterp/Bluesky
@FPWellman/X
@bobsbeatgmail.com5/Threads